Friday, 25 March 2016

Fast, Faster, Fasters

  Fasting, whether motivated by culture, religion or trend, has never moved me to abstinence. I eat when I'm hungry, happy, sad, ill, bored, see something delish, just because I'm out, after exercising because I deserve it, and the list goes on a bit.

 So, you can imagine my chagrin when I came upon, note old, research article on how fasting triggers stem cell regeneration of damaged, old immune system.

 Cycles of prolonged fasting, two to four days at a time, not only regenerates but also protects against immune system damage and toxicity. It forces the body to use stores of glucose, fat and ketones breaking down a significant amount of white blood cells triggering stem regeneration of new immune system cells. When you starve your system saves energy by recycling a lot of  immune cells that are not needed and especially those that are damaged. Shifting stem cells from a dormant state to a state of self renewal.

 And the latest fad in the fight against the bulk is intermittent fasting. I'm giving this a try, starting yesterday. It was not difficult to go without for sixteen hours (yesterday). There are many schedules to choose from but being forgetful as I am this schedule is best for me. 

Saturday, 12 March 2016

The Shortness Of My Life

 Everyone everywhere always running, where are they going? What are they running to accomplish? We are constantly trading our time but in an era where even instant gratification takes too long, is it all worth it?  "There is more to life then increasing its speed", said Gandhi.

 One would think with our technological advances and massive explosion of goods life would be simpler but I know it's not. We have more to choose from and the possibilities are mind bogglingly endless. And the more we have the more we want. But this ability to satisfy our every desire, constantly anticipating the next thing, breeds impatience. And with the world at our fingertips pleasures feel fleeting.

 We are taught to push the limits and are rewarded for signs of productivity. Often multi-tasking to make the cut. Living in constant tension between the urgent and the important, it's no wonder we feel pressed for time. We are swimming in a world of information and drowning in ignorance.

 It has been reported that six out of ten people spend their weekends shopping, catching up with loved ones or household chores but really wished they were doing nothing and admitted to feelings of  missing out on something but they didn't know what.

 Ever find yourself cramming more into every hour of the day? As we hurry through life, trying to fill every free moment doing something useful, we stretch ourselves to the breaking point. And this need has become an addiction that's stressful.

 Our time here is fleeting and uncertain. And time itself is a strange resource that's easily traded, visible only when it's passed and highly valued when it's gone. So live in the moment and stop to smell the roses because ultimately it's about balance.

 All things in moderation - except moderation. - Oscar Wilde


Friday, 11 March 2016

My Spirit Plant Is The Cactus

 Hands in mouth, hands on face, crotches n torsos n faces getting up close and personal, messing with my personal space. Let's begin with a visit to the dentist because a check-up always leaves me in a state for weeks. And then there is the hyperhidrosis, which is a nicer word for excessive sweating, which made shaking hands, handling other peoples property n babies, handling food, writing, reading and removing footwear unbearable and sometimes undoable. And fnally in my thirties I discovered how much I valued my personal space, and it is very much. I don't like being touched!

 A simple handshake has become a struggle. Why is a nod or wave never enough? Hugs and kisses - no thank you but if it has to be, please let it be brief. Huge crowds are a nightmare. And I've become the worst girlfriend to come to for some comforting.

 In many cultures hugging is just not done. Shy people in general don't like to be touched. Some mental disorders prevents patients getting physical. Physical and emotional trauma are two more reasons why people, like me, avoid physical contact. And then there are people, like my partner, who just aren't the touchy feely sort. But my partner and I make one exception - sex. We get it on, we get off, we kiss, we roll over, we move as far away from each other as we can and we're both satisfied.

 My advice : Personal Space Invader Opt Air Hug

 But seriously hugs and kisses release oxytocin giving the hugger and huggee a sense of calm.